Birth/Marathon Training

We started birthing classes a month ago, and I can't express how thankful I am that I chose these particular classes. There are lots of options out there, and I wanted to make sure I picked something that would involve Poncho in the process in an active way. I researched, but was still pretty clueless, and almost arbitrarily chose Bradley Method courses. We have learned SO much in the last month that it's almost unbelievable, and just last night Poncho and I were talking about the increase in our confidence levels due to these classes. Of course, there is no way we will be able to truly prepare for the experience of birthing our child until he is ready to enter this world, and even the best laid plans can be disrupted and nullified in an instant, but there's something liberating about anticipating this marathon with confidence and acceptance, and without fear. I think about all of the millions of women who have brought children into this world before medical intervention was an option, and as a Jew, I consider all of the women in my lineage who will be surrounding me and cheering me on through thousands of years of human existence. It may sound "New Age-y," but there is a part of me that feels an active kinship with all the women from the tribe of Benjamin who have gone before me, and I am strengthened by the heritage they and our G-d provide me. It's truly a beautiful thought. In other news, here are some pictures that our amazing friend Adrian took for us. Adrian Gutierrez Photography - seriously people, check him out. He's incredible.

Ahh, how quickly the time flies! Yesterday, we happened to look at the date and it hit us - our son is due in exactly 3 months. Oh my! In so many ways, it still seems surreal that we're parents, and in other ways it seems like it has always been this way. We are so blessed to be able to have biological children, and to be given the privilege of raising a son we know is God's own. What a humbling responsibility - God is entrusting us with His own unique creation to love and raise. Baby H is kicking around more now. Though Poncho hasn't been able to feel the baby kick yet, he has gotten to see my belly jump as his son kicks around. I'm looking forward to him feeling his son kick and knowing that's what it is, but I also know that there will come a time when I'll wish my son would settle down!! I know that the aches and inconveniences will all be worth it when I hold this beautiful baby in my arms :)

Baby Belly and More

Tomorrow will mark 21 weeks! I can't believe we're that far along. The belly is growing, and I'm craving sugar! AHH! Trying to keep that under control so the growth is baby-related and not sugar-related! Enjoy some belly pics.

Baby Flutters

One of the coolest things I've experienced in m pregnancy so far is the "flutters" - little movements my little one is making. I can't feel his movement consistently, or very strongly, most likely because he is still too little. Poncho can't feel him move yet, even though he wishes he could! Once he grows a bit, I will probably wish he'd stop moving so much and let me sleep! For now though, it makes me smile that baby is healthy, growing, and moving.

It's a Bouncing Baby Boy!!

Oh boy! I know we have an adventure in store! I spend a lot of time with girls in the classroom, and have spent lots of time with my 3 nieces as they are growing up, so I "get" girls. No problem. Boys? They mystify me a bit! I have 3 nephews that I love dearly and have spent time with, but they're still a bit of a mystery. God has a great plan in store, I'm sure... especially if this baby boy is anything like his daddy! I'm looking forward to raising my own little man to be a wonderful man of God, and eventually an amazing husband and father :)

What will Baby H be?

We find out Baby H's gender tomorrow afternoon! More pics to come!

We're Pregnant!

So... that happened! I found out on Christmas Eve just before performing in our service at church, and told Poncho on Christmas Day. I am exactly 19 weeks along (4 months and 1 week) - almost half way done! We find out on Tuesday 4/3 whether we'll be having a girl or a boy, assuming Baby H cooperates. Which, if he/she is anything like his/her parents, he/she won't! It's still pretty surreal - despite my growing belly, it still hasn't really hit us that we are already a family of 3. I think it might become more real once the baby starts to kick and move so that we can feel it. Pictures of my belly coming soon!